Online gamers can now experience EverQuest Seeds of Destruction, the brand-new expansion from thegenre-defining video game. Seeds of Destruction is the unprecedented 15thexpansion for EverQuest, and is available via digital download athttp://www.everquest.com for the suggested retail price of $39.99.
"With EverQuest rapidly approaching its 10th anniversary next March, the legacy of the franchise continues to grow along with the amount of new content offered," said Clint Worley, senior producer, EverQuest. "Seeds of Destruction will take players back in time where they can discover new storylines, adventures and zones."
About EverQuest Seeds of Destruction
The timelines of the world of Norrath have been destroyed completely. The only objects left are the drifting asteroid shards called The Void. Portals in The Void allow players to travel into the past and potentially alter the world of Norrath as we know it today. Revisit the Plane of Time, Bloody Kithicor or the Field of Bone to help stop the forces of Discord.
For the first time ever, players will have the ability to hire non-player characters (NPCs) to aid them in their heroic endeavors in Seeds of Destruction. These mercenaries will be valuable player assets as they thwart the efforts of Discord's Dark God. This expansion also includes a level cap increase to 85, dynamic high-level raid content, new spells and updated alternate advancement abilities. EverQuest Seeds of Destruction Feature Set:
Mercenaries: Player-controlled NPCs are now available and will not only scale to the appropriate level but also think and act for themselves with limited player guidance. Designed for extra support or extra muscle in PvE encounters, mercenary archetypes include a variety of classes from all playable races.
Level Cap Increase: Players can now achieve level 85 with new high-level item sets, new alternate advancement ability lines and new spells.
20 New Zones:Experience reimagined classic content and brand-new realms for adventurers to explore, including the eerie wasteland of The Void, the Battle of Rathe on the Plane of Earth and the ultimate Heart of Darkness in the Plane of Discord.
Access to All Previous Content: Includes all features and content from the 14 previous expansion packs.
Legends of Norrath:Includes strategic online trading card game, digital starter deck, booster pack and loot item.
For more expansion information from EverQuest Seeds of Destruction and a free trial of EverQuest, visit http://www.everquest.com.
Award-winning composer Steve Jablonsky will score the theme music for the highly anticipated next-generation flagship PC game from The Sims Label, The Sims 3. Recently honored with a BMI Film Music Award for his work on The Transformers soundtrack, Jablonsky has been repeatedly recognized for his contributions to film, TV and videogames. Now, his talents will be used to infuse a rich, orchestral sound into The Sims 3 to reflect the game’s new seamless open neighborhood.
“We are very excited about the new direction of the music in The Sims 3. We really wanted to convey the significance of the seamless open neighborhood with each aspect of this game because it is a key innovation from the previous game and Steve has done that beautifully with the sound,” said Ben Bell, Executive Producer of The Sims 3.
In addition to the theme music, Jablonsky’s score is featured throughout key areas of the game. For instance, in Create A Sim, the music will reflect the creative nature of choosing from a selection of facial features, hairstyles and outfits. There will also be a unique sound to distinguish build and buy modes in which you can create your dream home and design the neighborhood. In The Sims 3, you are able to visit many areas of the town for the first time such as the beach, gym, bistro or even a friend’s home. The music will also follow suit. For instance, when you are walking by the beach, the sound will coordinate. You might hear seagulls, waves crashing and the music will reflect the breezy feeling of being near the ocean. The gym will also feature appropriate music suited for that specific environment such as fast paced disco tech.
The Sims 3 offers you unparalleled opportunities for customization with each aspect of the game including music. You have the freedom to choose the ambient sounds of your game. The stereo feature offers you a wide range of genres to choose from or you can load your own music! In addition, now you have the freedom to completely customise the sound of your Sims voice. You can choose from a wide variety of voices and then alter the pitch to create unique sounding Sims.
“It is extremely exciting to be involved in a blockbuster project like The Sims 3, where the music sets the tone for the entire user experience,” said Jablonsky. “Working on one of the most anticipated games in the world, not to mention the best selling PC franchise of all time, is quite an honor and I’ve had a blast getting to know The Sims 3 team of talented individuals.”
Jablonsky was first introduced to music at the age of twelve, when his grandfather bought him a clarinet as a birthday gift. He quickly developed a passion for music, performing in several orchestras during his teenage years and graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in Music Study. His interest in film music started at an early age, influenced in particular by film composers Ennio Morricone and Hans Zimmer. He went on to score, compose or direct the music for such films, TV shows and videogames as Transformers (2007), The Island (2005), Desperate Housewives (2004-2007) and Command and Conquer™ 3: Kane’s Wrath (2008).
"We are very excited about the innovations of The Sims 3, and even more thrilled to have a composer of Steve's caliber crafting the sound of what is clearly the most globally anticipated game of the year,” said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Audio at EA. “We hold our games' original music to the same creative standards as major movie studios, and Steve Jablonsky has both a remarkable talent for scoring blockbuster entertainment as well as an innate understanding of the interactive opportunities of the videogame medium. We are thrilled that he has now brought his unique expertise to the dramatic, energetic and playful world of The Sims.”
The fate of New York City lies in gamers’ hands starting today as Activision and Marvel’s all new Spider-Man: Web of Shadows ships to retail outlets nationwide. The enthralling action-adventure saga introduces players to a cataclysmic Big Apple clash against an invasion of alien symbiotes that threatens mankind itself. Rated 12+ by the PEGI, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows is available on Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, the Wii™ home video game system and Windows PC, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and PSP (PlayStationPortable) system.
“Spider-Man: Web of Shadows delivers the deepest combat system ever in the Spider-Man universe, whether it’s going vertical up the side of neck-breaking skyscrapers or web-slinging into action over them for high-altitude, high-octane aerial battles,” said Rob Kostich, vice president, global brand management, Activision Publishing, Inc. “The team has captured a truly captivating Spider-Man experience that combines mesmerizing combat and riveting visual effects with a compelling and unfolding storyline that places gamers in control of the action.”
With a story penned by acclaimed Marvel comic book writer, Brian Reed, the title features a New York City devastated by a deadly symbiote invasion, in which players are faced with the choice to play the heroic web-slinger in his classic, agile red suit or the dark, formidable black suit. Battling with or against a huge cast of fan-favorite Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains, gamers can switch allegiances instantly as they decide which missions will ultimately save mankind.
An all-new combat system, built from the ground up, combining web-slinging and customizable superpowers provides gamers the unrivaled opportunity to fight and explore in an open free-roaming and destructible environment. In battle, Spider-Man’s speed and agility are tested within the diverse cityscape, challenging players to master fast-moving acrobatic combat, powerful new web-slinging moves and destructive combo attacks, as combat seamlessly migrates from the streets, up the sides of buildings and onto rooftops.
Developed by Shaba Games and Treyarch, with additional development by Amaze and Aspyr, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows is available from October 24th.
Milestone Celebrated with Debut of New Map and A Revolutionary Game Mode Introduced for the First Time to First-Person Shooter Game Genre
Combat Arms, its new online multiplayer first-person shooter game, surpassed one million registered users since its open beta launch in July. Combat Arms was commercially launched on October 1 with the addition of the highly anticipated "Black Market," the in-game item shop that allows users to spend real money to further customize their characters. Combat Arms is available free for download at http://combatarms.nexon.net.
To commemorate this milestone, Nexon will unveil two patches including a new map and game mode that will offer a variety of game play options for users to fully experience the dynamic world of multiplayer online first-person shooters (FPS). The new map, “Waverider,” which is set in a European hilltop town, will be the game’s largest map. Waverider will be complemented by the addition of new weapons, two supply cases, special event gear and a new male mercenary for Halloween.
In addition, Nexon will introduce a new hide-and-seek game mode, “Bounty Hunter,” which has never been introduced to a FPS-genre game. The new mode enables one player to randomly become the “bounty,” who will be the target hunted by other players. The longer the bounty stays alive, the more in-game currency that player will earn.
"Nexon is dedicated to providing an interactive online gaming experience with our high quality games that are easy to pick up and entertaining at every level,” said Min Kim, vice president of marketing for Nexon. "Combat Arms’ successful commercial launch demonstrates the game’s huge mass appeal and validates market demand for great, free-to-play, online experiences.”
Combat Arms features personalized characters, various combat modes, maps, and weapons. In addition, Combat Arms offers a high level of socialization with Web 2.0 community tools for users with buddy lists, integrated clan systems in-game and on the web, and an in-game messenger system. This mix of elements ignites a revolutionary FPS experience: a dynamic, evolving game that encourages both friendly competition and friendship among its players.
"We’ve received overwhelming feedback from Combat Arms players who loved the mix of the fast-action FPS game play and ability to communicate with other players in-game," said Herb Yang, producer of Combat Arms. "People are really embracing the socialization features of Combat Arms, especially the built-in features enabling people to track their personal performance as well as to create and join clans, personalize their clans with items such as emblems, and participate in official clan matches on dedicated servers.”
Since the successful launch of MapleStory in North America, Nexon has been at the forefront of creating a broad roster of high quality multiplayer online games that appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers. The company is also a pioneer of implementing a profitable online microtransactions model in North America with its prepaid game cards being one of the top selling cards in major retail outlets including 7-Eleven and Target.
One of the most heralded action RPG franchises of all time, Legacy of Ys: Books I & II delivers the first two epic adventures of the famed saga on one cartridge, presented with a series of never-before-seen enhancements. For younger gamers, this is the kind of action RPG classic your older friends are always deriding you for having no memory of, and Legacy of Ys offers a perfect introduction to the long-beloved saga. Hardcore fans of the franchise will find plenty of new features to immediately post about in message boards, as Legacy of Ys offers the best version yet of a true legend of gaming. Don’t miss your chance to condescend to the next generation of gamers… Experience these celebrated classics as never before!
Legacy of Ys - Books I & II is scheduled for release on February 10, 2009, with an MSRP of $34.99.
For more information about Legacy of Ys: Books I & II, visit the official website: http://www.atlus.com/ys
About Legacy of Ys - Books I & II Stories tell of a land of yore, now shrouded by centuries of time forgotten, called Ys. Despite its great knowledge, endless wealth, and bountiful prosperity, a sudden and unexpected cataclysm devastated the realm. Soon, its memory had faded completely from the minds of man.
Centuries later, a young adventurer named Adol set sail to explore the world and leave his mark on history. During his travels, he learned of the tragic tale of Esteria, a once prosperous island now inexplicably engulfed by a crippling storm. Adol plotted a course for the besieged isle, curious to unravel the mystery...
Key Features
• Two Legendary RPGs on One Cartridge! — Experience two all time classics that helped shape the action RPG genre… Now on a portable system!
• Upgraded Ys Experience —Behold remastered 3D graphics, a remixed musical score, and new enemies and equipment to discover. Touch control and local wireless multiplayer for up to four people deepen the adventure, while difficulty levels and dual control schemes tailor the experience to the gamer.
• The Definitive Story — Available to North American audiences for the first time, this ultimate translation delivers the most substantial version of the famous Ys story ever made!
Legacy of Ys: Books I & II has been rated "T" for Teen with Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Animated Blood, Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, and Partial Nudity by the ESRB.
New Xbox 360 singing experience includes 40 hit songs spanning party-favourite genres and decades from artists such as Coldplay, Leona Lewis, Radiohead and Nirvana New exclusive wireless microphones give real on-stage feel
Calling all shower singers, wannabe rappers, pop princesses and bedroom belters: “Lips”, the highly anticipated singing party game exclusively on Xbox 360, will be hitting stores on 21st November 2008.
Priced at a recommended retail price of £49.99, “Lips” is the only music video game that comes with two wireless motion-sensitive microphones, allowing you the freedom to put your own spin on a song and not trip over any cumbersome wires as you dance around your living room. You can even get other people involved in your songs by having them playing percussion with your Xbox 360 controllers.
The “Lips” line-up features great songs from a wide range of musical genres that set the stage for evenings of fun. Whether you’re throwing a party for your friends or simply staying at home with your family, “Lips” will have everyone singing and dancing together to party favourites, backed by their ORIGINAL music videos, lyrics and scoring.
For those that want to grow their music collection, there will be a whole host of fantastic hits to download from Xbox LIVE Marketplace, giving you the opportunity to continue adding to your “LIPS” music library - up already is Estelle’s “No Substitute Love”. Plus, you can even plug in your MP3 player and sing along to your OWN music collection while a virtual music video accompanies your performance.
It doesn’t stop there. “Lips” also has exciting features like the ability to compete against your friends or family and a co-operative element that allows you to try and crack the song together.
So if you feel like you want to “Bust A Move” or simply want to “Boogie 2 Nite” then “Lips” is simply “Irreplaceable” for a night of unbelievable entertainment in the comfort of your own home!
More information about “Lips”, the hottest party game this Christmas, can be found at http://www.xbox.com/lips.
Two wireless interactive microphones: Featuring stylish interactive motion sensors and lights, the microphones respond to the singer's actions and can be utilized as percussion accompaniments. With the freedom and encouragement provided by the high quality wireless microphones, everyone can live out their singing dreams in style. The best music: Lips ships with a diverse selection of songs, including your favorite blasts from the past like "Bust a Move" by Young MC, as well as new songs from breakout artists like "Mercy" by Duffy, and "Young Folks" by Peter Bjorn and John. Sing to your music collection: Customize your experience with the songs that matter most by singing along with friends to DRM-free music from your own personal collection.*
Play along: Using the standard Xbox 360 controller, up to four people can join the fun and choose from a variety of percussion accompaniments to play along. By placing control of various tambourines, claps, and of course, the ubiquitous cowbell, at the finger tips of anyone with a controller, you have a social entertainment experience for friends, family, and kids alike! Constant flow of new music: From the songs that come with the game, to your own music collection, and the ability to download new tracks from Xbox LIVE Marketplace, Lips continuously provides new music to bring people together and keep the party going.
*Sing along to your DRM-free music on select popular music players. Lyrics won't display with songs from your music collection. To see what you can do with songs from your personal music collection and for a list of compatible music players, visit xbox.com/lips.
The first update for A Murder of Crows (PC), which comes less than two weeks after its retail release across the United Kingdom.
The following key features are included in Update 1.6.3:
• New loading splash-screen art • Trade UI modified to separate routes from stations and systems • Added important snap points to sliders in the Population Manager • Updated the “End Of Flesh” scenario to include the Morrigi player position • Sort fleets by construction ships • Optimized AI and improved AI handling of morale issues • Corrected issues with the Progression Wars scenario (Note: Issues may remain in old saved games) • Defense Manager screen enhanced along with defender arrival positions in combat • Spinal mount tech can now be unlocked by either Particle Beam or Heavy Drivers • Fixed negative savings aid bug and all known issues where Morrigi fleet speed was not being updated
A Murder of Crows (PC) is the latest expansion to the highly acclaimed 4X space strategy game Sword of the Stars (PC). It is available for digital download at GamersGate.com and currently sits in the No2 position of their list of “Top Rated” games. Players are required to have either Sword of the Stars: Collector’s Edition or Born of Blood in order to play this new addition to the franchise.
Kalypso Media have today announced they will be publishing 4 Add On packs for the hit space strategy PC game Sins of a Solar Empire. The first of these Add On packs will be published in Q4 2008 for £7.99 and available via download from Impulse.
Sins of a Solar Empire, which was brought to Europe by Kalypso Media has been a huge hit throughout Europe reaching second place in both the British and French PC game charts.
Sins of a Solar Empire has provided gamers with real-time strategy gaming in a new dimension. In Sins of a Solar Empire the future survival of the human race is at threat, with three mighty races fighting over control of the galaxy. Players have the opportunity to command one of these three races and attempt to survive and dominate the galaxy. Your success depends on your ability to govern your empire and to command your star-fleet. A finaly balanced combination of diplomacy, economics and military power are vital for gaining the upper hand and becoming Master of the Universe!
The first Add On will include:
- Star Bases, which can be customized and upgraded over time - Race specific Star Bases which will have a unique variety of upgradable characteristics. The ability to upgrade your Star Bases is limited so players will have to think strategically and plan carefully! - The number of Star Bases each gamer can control will now be limited by a new research feature. - More Star Base goodies – both race specific and generic. - Mine field designs specific to each race and essential for hindering and endangering enemy forces. - More types of mines. - More defence systems both race specific and generic. - New artifacts and planet properties. - And much more…
The first Sins of a Solar Empire Add On will be available via download at the online platform Impulse in Q4 2008.
Microsoft has confirmed that Gears of War 2 will not see a release in either Germany or Japan.
It has been known for some time that Epic's upcoming highly-anticipated sequel would not pass through Germany's notoriously strict videogames censorship, considering the original title's failure to see a release in the region, however the news that it will not be released in Japan will come as a surprise to some.
This news comes after reports that Gears of War 2 is already being offered on torrent sites, well before its official release.
Online gamers can now experience EverQuest Seeds of Destruction, the brand-new expansion from the genre-defining video game. Seeds of Destruction is the unprecedented 15thexpansion for EverQuest, and is available via digital download at http://www.everquest.com for the suggested retail price of $39.99.
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